Is Tom Brady setting himself up to join new team?

Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL earlier this month, but there has been a lot of speculation about him returning to the field at some point. With even Brady saying recently that he will not rule out playing again, one (farfetched) theory is that the 44-year-old might be trying to pave the way to join a new team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leaving open the possibility that Brady will change his mind, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. They are also said to be exploring a potential trade for a top quarterback like Deshaun Watson or Russell Wilson. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wonders if Brady is rooting for the Bucs to go that route.

Brady was recently asked if he can close the door on ever playing in the NFL again. He said he is “happy” with his retirement decision but admitted he can “never say never.” He also said he doesn’t know how he will feel six months from now. As Florio notes, Brady would not have to feel obligated to play for Tampa Bay in 2022 if the Bucs make a big trade for a player like Watson or Wilson.

The Bucs will continue to own Brady’s rights if they place him on the reserve-retired list after June 1. Brady would become a free agent if they release him prior to that.

Brady grew up in the Bay Area of California rooting for the San Francisco 49ers. He still has family there. While he admits it is a “slim possibility,” Florio wonders if Brady could be hoping for an opportunity to gracefully join the Niners.

This isn’t the first Brady-to-San Francisco theory we have heard in recent weeks. Another prominent member of the media floated the idea before Brady made his official retirement announcement.

The 49ers are expected to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason. They are clearly committed to Trey Lance, but they would almost certainly make an exception for Brady. From Brady’s perspective, the Niners would provide a great opportunity to contend for one more championship while playing for his hometown team.

It still seems unlikely that Brady would announce his retirement only to return months later. However, even one of Brady’s longtime teammates made some interesting comments about the QB’s future this week. Until Brady rules out playing again, the theories will keep flowing.

Photo: Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports